Written by Dr. Mercola
A recent study published by the Harvard School of Public Health has caused quite a stir in the cancer industry. The study suggests that mammograms may not be suitable for breast cancer screening and could lead to significant overdiagnosis of cancer that may not have posed a threat otherwise.
Lead author Mette Kalager stated:
“Mammography may not be the best option for breast cancer screening as it cannot differentiate between progressive and non-progressive cancer… Radiologists are trained to detect even the smallest tumors in order to catch as many cancers as possible, but this study, along with others, shows that this approach can lead to the unnecessary diagnosis of breast cancer that may never have caused symptoms or death.”
When the researchers recommended that women should be informed about the potential risks of errors in mammography, the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging criticized the study. However, as more women share their stories of unnecessary treatments resulting from aggressive screening, the validity of the Harvard team’s findings becomes apparent.
An Illustrative Example…
One of the researchers for this newsletter, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, serves as a compelling illustration of the study’s findings. Initially prescribed chemotherapy and radiation, she sought a second opinion at a renowned cancer institute. There, she was informed that chemotherapy was unnecessary for her type of cancer.
“Since chemotherapy is toxic, there’s no reason to administer it if it won’t benefit you,” the oncologist explained.
She has allowed me to share her story, which perfectly exemplifies the dangers associated with overdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions resulting from flawed mammography practices.
Despite criticisms from the breast imaging industry, my employee’s experience mirrors the study’s conclusions: mammography may do more harm than good for numerous women.
A Tiny Dot—Leading to a Series of Procedures
Beginning at the age of 40, this employee underwent regular mammograms, believing it was the best measure for preventing breast cancer. Unaware of the risks associated with mammogram radiation, she faithfully followed the screening recommendations until 2008.
Following her 2008 mammogram, a technician identified a small calcification and conducted multiple ultrasounds and an MRI. Despite inconclusive results, a stereotactic biopsy was performed, which turned out negative. However, a lumpectomy was recommended, only to yield negative results as well.
Unnecessary Procedures and Potential Risks
Subsequent to surgery, a lump was discovered at the site, leading to further evaluations. A biopsy revealed Stage 3 Lobular Invasive cancer, contradicting previous reports of no evidence of cancer. The subsequent mastectomy was followed by recommendations for chemotherapy and radiation.
She stated, “At that time, I was working for Dr. Mercola and was fully aware of the power I had to take control of my own health. I took proactive steps immediately to ensure I was doing everything possible to combat the cancer.”
She first examined her overall health, diet, and lifestyle to identify cancer risk factors. Despite not having diabetes, heart problems, or high cholesterol, she realized she was overweight, which increased her risk of breast cancer. She was also addicted to Diet Coke, despite knowing its harmful effects. She decided to make immediate changes based on Dr. Mercola’s advice:
– Started taking 10,000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily
– Quit all forms of soda
– Adopted a grain-free diet and eliminated refined sugars and flours
– Started exercising regularly
She sought a second opinion on her cancer treatment, which led to an OncoType Dx test revealing a low risk of recurrence and the ineffectiveness of chemotherapy for her type of cancer. She opted out of radiation as well.
She embraced a natural, nutritional approach to preventive cancer care, following a diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, avoiding refined sugars and flours, and cutting out commercial meats. She also began taking various vitamins and supplements, including vitamin D3, CoQ10, vitamin C, grape seed extract, turmeric, and vitamin B12.
As a result of these changes, she lost over 25 pounds, improved her lab results, and felt better overall. She also discovered that her rheumatoid arthritis symptoms disappeared after adopting her new diet. Additionally, she learned about the limitations of mammography for women with dense breasts.
In conclusion, she emphasized the importance of knowledge in staying cancer-free and the impact of lifestyle changes on overall health and well-being. Ella también no sabía que había un movimiento de otras mujeres como ella xvi, xvii para forzar a la FDA y a los gobiernos estatales y federales a reconocer los fallos de la mamografía, o que miles de mujeres como ella estaban siendo sobrediagnosticadas y sobretratadas, o que sus cánceres estaban siendo pasados por alto debido a esto xviii.
“Ahora soy la primera en gritar que, en lugar de decirte que vayas a hacerte una mamografía en octubre, el Mes de Concientización sobre el Cáncer de Mama, lo que deberían decir es, ‘¿Estás consciente de que las mamografías no detectan hasta el 75 por ciento de los cánceres de algunas mujeres?'” ella dice.
“Había mucho que no sabía cuando todo esto empezó, pero también había mucho que sabía, cosas que podrían haberme ayudado a mantenerme libre de cáncer, pero no estaba haciendo. Ahora sé mejor, y por eso me alegra compartir mi historia. La clave es reunir todo el conocimiento que puedas. Pregúntale a tu médico si tienes senos densos. ¡Conoce tus otros riesgos de cáncer también y haz algo al respecto! “Aún más importante, sé consciente de que muchas veces una serie de pruebas no solo son innecesarias, sino que podrían ser peligrosas para tu salud.”
Le agradezco a mi investigadora por compartir su historia contigo, y espero que pueda inspirarte a tomar el control de tu salud; a ser realmente PROACTIVO en lugar de esperar a que la enfermedad se instale antes de recibir esa llamada de atención. Tal vez te den una segunda oportunidad, como a ella. Por otro lado, quizás no. Poco más importa una vez que estás en una crisis de salud, así que ¿por qué no tomarte el tiempo AHORA para implementar algunas estrategias de estilo de vida saludable que podrían ayudarte a evitar enfermarte en primer lugar.
Recuerda, el mayor enemigo que tiene el cáncer es un sistema inmunológico que funcione bien.
En caso de que te diagnostiquen cáncer de mama en etapa temprana, siempre obtén una segunda opinión, y posiblemente una tercera y cuarta. No puedo enfatizar esto lo suficiente, ya que las tasas de falsos positivos son demasiado altas y los criterios de diagnóstico son demasiado subjetivos. Antes de tomar cualquier decisión sobre el tratamiento, y definitivamente antes de decidirte por una cirugía o quimioterapia, asegúrate de que los resultados de tu biopsia hayan sido revisados por un especialista en cáncer de mama que tenga conocimientos y experiencia en ese campo. La mayoría del cáncer de mama es prevenible. Pero si te golpean con ese diagnóstico, ¡no pierdas la esperanza! Hay mucho que puedes hacer para aprovechar las poderosas habilidades curativas de tu propio cuerpo.
Para una guía completa sobre la prevención y tratamiento del cáncer de mama, consulta este artículo anterior, Avance en el Cáncer de Mama – Reduce a la Mitad tu Riesgo de Muerte.